jroach

I've read through many of the P0015 threads and decided to swap the left with right bank magnets expecting the code to change. After the swap, cleared the codes and restarted...and a few seconds later, same codes (P0015 and P2188). Should I be chasing the 2188 code first? Is this an indication that I have the balance shaft issue?

The car hasn't been started since June and had to be jumped to start. Should I give it some time?

Thanks in advance.

tjts1

What year?

jroach

w211, E350, MY 2007

Thanks

cetialpha5

What's the vin? All 2006 models had the balance shaft problem but only some early 2007 models had it, depends on the engine serial number.

There's also several methods and videos on youtube on how to check the balance shaft.

jroach

cetialpha5, I ran the vin code and the engine serial number is higher than the affected engines. I'm taking the Balance shaft issue out of the equation for now.

I'm wondering if it is just lack of use; hasn't been started in months, maybe less than 200 miles for the last 12 months, nothing over 35mph. I'm going to get it out on the freeway and see what happens.

Still curious why the P0015 didn't move when swapping the magnets.

cetialpha5

Magnets could be bad, that's the other solution to the P0015. Use OEM MB parts and try that. Or try clearing the codes and see if they come back. Weird things happen when the batteries are low and it's cold out.

jroach

Took it out and ran it for a few miles at freeway speeds. Reset codes and this time they didn't come back (yet).

E55Greasemonkey

Mileage? Stop wasting time and being cheap. Replace all four magnets with OEM parts. At the same time change the oil and filter also with OEM parts. Relearn the camshaft positions with Xentry with the engine at operating temperature.

jroach

I normally ignore snarky advice but why wouldn't you troubleshoot to a failing component rather than just through parts at a problem?
In this case, new magnets for all sensors would have been a waste of time and money.

cetialpha5

I believe the parts were updated so not a complete waste of money. They fail all the time.

E55Greasemonkey

I normally advise against throwing parts at a problem, however in this case the oem magnets are only $25/ea. and as the previous poster stated there are superseded parts available. We/you have no idea how old yours are. 2007 with unknown miles, etc. You're already chasing your tail hence your posting here. This also means you are too cheap to pay someone who knows what they are doing. How much is your time worth? I don't work for free but it's your lucky day. There is no accurate way to test these magnets. They are somewhat of a maintenance item with this engine. Expect around an 80k lifespan of the magnets, provided use of oem oil and filter. Following my previous advice is the next step in your diagnosis. If what I told you to do does not fix the problem you can then move on to the next step. You must establish a known, good basis, which in this case is what I've suggested. Be thankful I'm taking the time to share my 18 years of MB repair experience (24 years in the business) with you. FWIW I own three 272 powered cars. Two of them have all new magnets with no more CEL problems, and the third is still low mileage with the original magnets, but 2011 model year. If and when I get a code for a magnet, I will replace ALL of them without hesitation.